Ranking the 6 best available centers in 2023 NBA free agency
By Cal Durrett
NBA Free Agent Center #4: Naz Reid
Center Naz Reid is regarded as one of the best backup big men in the NBA and will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. While the Minnesota Timberwolves would probably prefer to keep him, they already have $76 million committed to Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert for next season. Thus, they couldn’t afford to also pay Reid at least $10 million a year. Their loss.
His next team would get a stretch five who can knock down shots on the perimeter, put the ball on the floor, and attack closeouts, often finishing with thunderous dunks. As a starter for the Wolves this season, he got a chance to show what he could do in that role full-time by averaging 16.5 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 block per game.
While Reid could be in line for a big payday, there are some potential obstacles to him securing the bag this summer. The main issue is that there are better centers hitting the open market at the same time, and they will likely be in more demand. With relatively few teams needing a starting center, being fourth in line could result in less money left for him.
Even if they re-sign with their respective teams, that means crossing three teams off the list of possible landing spots. Additionally, the San Antonio Spurs, who have up to $45 million in cap space, would have been a perfect landing spot after moving their starting center at the trade deadline. However, they will select first overall in this year’s NBA draft and almost certainly pick 7’4 big man Victor Wembanyama.
Teams that don’t have the cap space could get creative to land Reid. With the mid-level exception starting at $12 million, that might be enough to sign him to a multi-year deal. Or, a playoff team could try to work out a sign-and-trade with the Timberwolves to acquire Reid. Whoever ultimately signs him could get great value for one of the more underrated players in the NBA.